zealous

adjective

Definition of zealousnext
as in fervent
feeling or showing strong and energetic support for a person, cause, etc.; filled with zeal zealous fans She was one of the president's most zealous supporters. The detective was zealous in her pursuit of the kidnappers.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of zealous One zealous teenage Werewolf could, in theory, hold off a hundred Americans. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Porto is quite good as young Jake, as is Hamish Linklater as a rather zealous collector of serial killer memorabilia. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 But, within a minute of frantic play, Enzo Fernández, Argentina’s most zealous midfielder, went flying into Pau Cubarsí, a young Spain defender. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 Dunk, Welly, and Shirm are on the interplanetary run from a zealous-yet-inept officer of the law named Zandro. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for zealous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zealous
  1. fervent
  2. enthusiastic
  3. ardent
  4. passionate
Adjective
  • As the night ended with some of the acts’ most fervent fans, the 2026 installment of Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians came to a close.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Strijd’s posts struck a chord online, and ignited interest in the show that did not appear nearly as fervent over the past few weeks.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of fervent
Adjective
  • But footage obtained by OutKick portrayed a different story, including a handshake with an enthusiastic Bengals head coach Zac Taylor.
    — Ryan Morik , Preston Mizell OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Wall Street has been enthusiastic about the separation, which is designed to unlock the value of each group of assets and is likely to generate M&A interest.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • Whatever the reason, Anderson left behind a catalog full of such gems, tucked away on B-sides waiting to be discovered by his most ardent fans.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026
  • One fascination of this brave book—brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism—lies in watching the eloquent, intelligent sufferer steadily entrapping herself.
    — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of ardent
Adjective
  • The colors are dour and muted, and the yearnings of the two elder Dashwood sisters—the self-abnegating Elinor (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and the passionate Marianne (Esmé Creed-Miles, a gimlet-eyed standout)—often play out in drearily candlelit rooms.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Bulgari staff is notably passionate about this garden and volunteers there on a regular basis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of passionate

Browse Nearby Words

zealots
zealous
zealously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zealous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zealous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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